Join the Board

The NEFHS represents New England’s humane community through an all-volunteer 12-member board of directors and a 12-member advisory council. Board members are elected to staggered four-year terms, possess voting privileges, and govern the organization. Advisory council members, appointed by the board for one-year terms, do not vote but actively participate in meetings, discussions, and collaborative efforts. This structure allows NEFHS to benefit from a broad spectrum of expertise.

We seek a diverse range of experiences and skill sets for our directors and advisors. Whether you are an executive director, board president, development and fundraising specialist, marketing expert, animal care professional, behaviorist, foster care coordinator, or veterinary professional—whether you work full-time, part-time, or volunteer, in a physical shelter, foster care organization, or animal care and control—our goal is to reflect the diversity of animal sheltering and welfare in New England.

As a member of the advisory council, you will be expected to volunteer for committees that drive the work of NEFHS. These committees focus on key areas such as communications, outreach, and event planning, ensuring that our initiatives are well-organized, effectively promoted, and impactful in advancing animal welfare throughout New England.

As an advisor, you will have the opportunity to contribute to New England’s premier animal welfare educational conference and other significant events throughout the year. Beyond making a tangible impact, you’ll forge lifelong connections with leaders in animal welfare from across the region and beyond. Serving as an advisor, and potentially as a future board director, offers a unique perspective on the status and trends within the field. This role will expand and deepen your knowledge, providing invaluable insights and experiences. Plus, we hope you’ll enjoy the rewarding and collaborative journey!

As an advisor, you will be expected to:

1. Attend Meetings: Participate in the majority of board meetings each year, as well as committee meetings or calls.
2. Support Events: Attend and assist in producing the Annual Conference and other events.
3. Commit to the Retreat: In your first year, attendance at the annual planning retreat is mandatory. If you cannot attend the retreat, we recommend postponing your application to the following year.
4. Participate on at least one committee to support the work we do.

Time and Financial Commitment

Time Commitment: Please ensure that your organization or employer allows you the time necessary to participate in NEFHS activities. The NEFHS calendar runs from May 1 to April 30. New advisor orientation occurs in May, with new advisors officially joining board meetings during the retreat in June. All board members and advisors are expected to participate and engage in committee work through the end of April.

Key commitments include:

• • Annual Planning Retreat, in person (June)
  • Monthly board meetings via Zoom
  • Monthly committee meetings via Zoom
  • Leadership Summit, in person (every other year, fall); the next Leadership Summit will be in 2025
  • Annual Conference, in person (March/April)

The time commitment for committee work varies by committee and depends on how much an individual chooses to volunteer.

Financial Commitment: NEFHS will cover the event registration fees for all board members and advisors, including any meals offered during the event. However, you (or your organization) will be responsible for any accommodations, travel expenses and additional meals required during the conference, retreat, and other in-person events. Since our events are held in various locations across New England, your individual requirements may vary each year depending on the proximity of the events to your home base. While attendance is mandatory for advisors and board members, staying at the designated hotel is not compulsory. You have the option to either commute or select a different hotel for your stay.

For instance, the estimated hotel expenses for someone staying at the contracted hotels during the retreat and conference for the 2024-2025 year is $1,165.

Advising our organization is one of the most critical roles at NEFHS. To ensure we find the best candidates, we recruit a pool of potential advisors for every open seat on the council. The process is straightforward and designed to help us get to know each other:

1. Application: Start by completing an application form.
2. Review: We review your application to see if your profile matches the needs of the vacant council seat.
3. Initial Contact: If your profile is a good fit, we will contact you for a more detailed conversation and provide additional information about NEFHS.
4. Nominating Committee Review: The nominating committee carefully considers all candidates and selects the best applicant for the vacant seat.
5. Board Election: The committee recommends these candidates to the current board for election.
6. Orientation: If elected, you will receive orientation materials and support to help you get started effectively.
7. Timeline: We accept applications year-round, but we begin reviewing applications after the annual conference each year and make decisions in April, in time for the start of the new program year.

To apply, please complete our online application.

For more information, please contact us at info@newenglandfed.org.